Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Marion County, Florida
Marion County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,394 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,277 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $26.81 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,394
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 29% less than in Florida
- Typical rent
- $1,277
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 23% less than in Florida
- Wage needed
- $26.81
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $55,760 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 53%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 12% less than in Florida
Only here
Renting in Marion County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Levy County, the typical rent is $850: 33% less than in Marion County ($1,277).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Marion County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Marion County was $1,593 a month in September 2026: about the same as 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,194 | $22.96 | $47,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,201 | $23.10 | $48,040 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,394 | $26.81 | $55,760 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,836 | $35.31 | $73,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,925 | $37.02 | $77,000 |
HUD area: Ocala, FL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 35 ZIP codes in Marion County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,240 in 32113 to $1,840 in 34474. 7 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,394).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 32113 | Ocala, FL | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32133 | Ocala, FL | $1,050 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,620 | $1,720 |
| 32134 | Ocala, FL | $1,150 | $1,210 | $1,370 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
| 32134 | Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $1,150 | $1,210 | $1,370 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
| 32134 | Putnam County, FL | $1,150 | $1,210 | $1,370 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
| 32179 | Ocala, FL | $1,050 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,620 | $1,720 |
| 32182 | Ocala, FL | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 32192 | Ocala, FL | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 32195 | Ocala, FL | $1,150 | $1,210 | $1,370 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
| 32195 | Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $1,150 | $1,210 | $1,370 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
| 32617 | Ocala, FL | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 32634 | Ocala, FL | $1,190 | $1,200 | $1,390 | $1,830 | $1,920 |
| 32664 | Ocala, FL | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 32681 | Ocala, FL | $1,190 | $1,200 | $1,390 | $1,830 | $1,920 |
| 32686 | Ocala, FL | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 32784 | Ocala, FL | $1,150 | $1,210 | $1,370 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
| 32784 | Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $1,150 | $1,210 | $1,370 | $1,730 | $2,090 |
| 34420 | Ocala, FL | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 34431 | Levy County, FL | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 34431 | Ocala, FL | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 34432 | Ocala, FL | $1,030 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 34470 | Ocala, FL | $1,130 | $1,140 | $1,320 | $1,740 | $1,820 |
| 34471 | Ocala, FL | $1,220 | $1,230 | $1,430 | $1,880 | $1,980 |
| 34472 | Ocala, FL | $1,270 | $1,280 | $1,480 | $1,950 | $2,040 |
| 34473 | Ocala, FL | $1,440 | $1,450 | $1,680 | $2,210 | $2,320 |
| 34474 | Ocala, FL | $1,580 | $1,590 | $1,840 | $2,420 | $2,540 |
| 34475 | Ocala, FL | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 34476 | Ocala, FL | $1,390 | $1,400 | $1,620 | $2,130 | $2,240 |
| 34479 | Ocala, FL | $1,270 | $1,280 | $1,480 | $1,950 | $2,040 |
| 34480 | Ocala, FL | $1,200 | $1,210 | $1,400 | $1,840 | $1,930 |
| 34481 | Ocala, FL | $1,160 | $1,170 | $1,360 | $1,790 | $1,880 |
| 34482 | Ocala, FL | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,240 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 34488 | Ocala, FL | $1,080 | $1,090 | $1,260 | $1,660 | $1,740 |
| 34491 | Ocala, FL | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,300 | $1,710 | $1,800 |
| 34491 | Wildwood-The Villages, FL | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,300 | $1,710 | $1,800 |
- 32113 · Ocala, FL $1,240$1,600
- 32133 · Ocala, FL $1,240$1,620
- 32134 · Ocala, FL $1,370$1,730
- 32134 · Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL $1,370$1,730
- 32134 · Putnam County, FL $1,370$1,730
- 32179 · Ocala, FL $1,240$1,620
- 32182 · Ocala, FL $1,240$1,600
- 32192 · Ocala, FL $1,240$1,600
- 32195 · Ocala, FL $1,370$1,730
- 32195 · Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL $1,370$1,730
- 32617 · Ocala, FL $1,240$1,600
- 32634 · Ocala, FL $1,390$1,830
- 32664 · Ocala, FL $1,240$1,600
- 32681 · Ocala, FL $1,390$1,830
- 32686 · Ocala, FL $1,240$1,600
- 32784 · Ocala, FL $1,370$1,730
- 32784 · Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL $1,370$1,730
- 34420 · Ocala, FL $1,240$1,600
- 34431 · Levy County, FL $1,240$1,600
- 34431 · Ocala, FL $1,240$1,600
- 34432 · Ocala, FL $1,240$1,600
- 34470 · Ocala, FL $1,320$1,740
- 34471 · Ocala, FL $1,430$1,880
- 34472 · Ocala, FL $1,480$1,950
- 34473 · Ocala, FL $1,680$2,210
- 34474 · Ocala, FL $1,840$2,420
- 34475 · Ocala, FL $1,240$1,600
- 34476 · Ocala, FL $1,620$2,130
- 34479 · Ocala, FL $1,480$1,950
- 34480 · Ocala, FL $1,400$1,840
- 34481 · Ocala, FL $1,360$1,790
- 34482 · Ocala, FL $1,240$1,600
- 34488 · Ocala, FL $1,260$1,660
- 34491 · Ocala, FL $1,300$1,710
- 34491 · Wildwood-The Villages, FL $1,300$1,710
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Marion County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
53%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
37,144 households rent in Marion County
- Spend half or more of their income 28%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 47%
Compared with the state and the country
- Marion 53%
- Florida 60%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Marion County
HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in Marion County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 16
- HUD-assisted
- 9
- public housing
- 1
2,230 homes in all; 2,209 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Deer Run Public housing 515 SW 2nd Ave, Ocala 34471 186 homes, 185 low-income · Run by Ocala Housing Authority · Average payment: $337 a month · Average wait: 41 months · (352) 369-2636
- Laurel Park I Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 NW 23rd Ave, Ocala 34475 170 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 92 · 3 bd: 34 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Trinity Villas I HUD-assisted 3728 NE 8th Pl, Ocala 34470 162 homes, 161 low-income · For older adults · (352) 694-5507
- Berkeley Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2833 NE 7th St, Ocala 34470 160 homes, 145 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 48 · 4 bd: 8 · For families · (352) 629-9651
- Magnolia Walk II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2501 SW 10th St, Ocala 34471 144 low-income homes · 1 bd: 96 · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2004 · For older adults, families
- Parkside Garden Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 621 NW 2nd St, Ocala 34475 144 low-income homes · For families · (352) 622-8554
- Green Gables I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2600 SW 10th St, Ocala 34471 131 low-income homes · 3 bd: 33 · 4 bd: 98 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Sutton Place Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 523 NE 23rd Cir, Ocala 34470 130 low-income homes · 1 bd: 74 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2011 · For families · (352) 351-4783
- Green Gables II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2600 SW 10th St, Ocala 34471 124 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 78 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Blichton Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 1741 NW 7th St, Ocala 34475 119 homes, 118 low-income · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 23 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Landfair Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 2140 NE 78th St, Ocala 34479 117 low-income homes · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 99 · In service since 1999
- Hickory Knoll Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 507 NE 22nd Ave, Ocala 34470 96 homes, 94 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 54 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Heritage Oaks of Ocala HUD-assisted 2820 SW 34th St, Ocala 34474 72 low-income homes · For older adults · (352) 854-1515
- Laurel Park II Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 NW 23rd Ave, Ocala 34475 68 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Rolling Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) 11150 Rolling Hills Rd, Dunnellon 34431 67 low-income homes · In service since 2014 · For families
- Evangeline Booth Gardens HUD-assisted 2921 NE 14th St, Ocala 34470 65 homes, 64 low-income · For older adults · (352) 671-2870
- Magnolia Walk I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2501 SW 10th St, Ocala 34471 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2000 · For older adults, families
- Harveys Fellowship Homes HUD-assisted 1415 NW 5th St, Ocala 34475 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (352) 622-5922
- Oakbrook Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 11703 SE 57th Ave, Belleview 34420 42 low-income homes · In service since 2014 · For families
- Woodside Apts (belleview) Tax credit (LIHTC) 6745 SE 107th St, Belleview 34420 42 low-income homes · In service since 1991 · For families
- Ocala Place HUD-assisted 2135 NW 1st Ave, Ocala 34475 40 low-income homes · For families · (352) 351-4783
- Rainbow Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 11850 Rainbow Gardens Cir, Dunnellon 34432 37 low-income homes · In service since 1993 · For families
4 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Marion County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Marion County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $17,650 | $29,400 | $47,050 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $33,600 | $53,800 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $37,800 | $60,500 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $42,000 | $67,200 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $45,400 | $72,600 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $48,750 | $78,000 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $52,100 | $83,350 |
| 8 people | $55,450 | $55,450 | $88,750 |
Area median income: $84,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Ocala, FL MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,075 – $1,313
- 1 bedroom $1,081 – $1,321
- 2 bedrooms $1,255 – $1,533
- 3 bedrooms $1,652 – $2,020
- 4 bedrooms $1,733 – $2,118
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Ocala Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,487 vouchers · 185 public housing units (352) 369-2636 Ocala Housing Authority: gdawson@ocalahousing.org
Housing agencies in Florida Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Florida
What Florida law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 15 days
- Fla. Stat. §83.49(3)(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Fla. Stat. §83.56(3)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Fla. Stat. §83.57(3)
- Only a court order can remove youFla. Stat. §83.67(2)
- Protection from retaliationFla. Stat. §83.64
Help
Where to get help with rent in Marion County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Marion County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. - Ocala Office
1610 SE 36th Ave, Ocala · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
-
Ocala Housing Authority
1629 NW 4th St, Ocala
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 10 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Marion County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
Florida Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Run by FloridaCommerce
Help from the federal LIHEAP program in Florida that pays the electric or gas company directly, including past-due bills and reconnection
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Marion County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Florida, the average home bill was $156 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,788
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,394
- Security deposit
- $1,394
- Total
- $2,788
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Marion County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,194; 1 bedroom: $1,201; 2 bedrooms: $1,394; 3 bedrooms: $1,836; 4 bedrooms: $1,925. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Marion County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,394) without spending more than 30% of income takes $26.81 an hour full time, or $55,760 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Marion County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $42,000 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Marion County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,255 and $1,533 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Marion County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,240 in 32113 to $1,840 in 34474. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Marion County?
HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in Marion County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Marion County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Marion County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in Florida, 60%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).